KWorld External ATSC/QAM TVBox HDMI Edition – Review

External ATSC/QAM TVBox HDMI Edition box

This oddly named device is an external HD tuner. A lot of new HDTV’s have tuners built into them, but what still intrigues me about this product is that its compatible with your computer monitor.

KWorld has created a device that allows you to watch local digital broadcasts via component cables, HDMI, DVI, and VGA. Out of the box you’ll receive a ton of different cords and parts that you may or may not need. It all depends upon what your set up needs are. I’ve got to say that trying to figure out the cord situation alone was slightly daunting. You may need a techie at hand. Thankfully it does come with a pretty easy to read manual.

You are given a small antenna that you can use to pick up your local stations. From the direction that my building faces, receiving a clear picture with this antenna was not entirely possible. Thankfully the building has DirecTV and maybe even some other antennas on the roof. I plugged in the coaxil cable and while it did not pick up the DirecTV channels, it did pick up the local stations. Be sure to do your research before hand to make sure that you have a strong signal to be able to pick up these stations where ever you live.

External ATSC/QAM TVBox HDMI Edition device

If you hook this device up to your PC monitor, it’s easy to switch back and forth between the TV signal and your computer operating system. There’s a button on the remote that switches the signal.

In addition to supporting up to 1080i video, there is a USB input that allows you to use the device to play MP3 or JPG images from another external device such as an iPod. I understand why you might like this feature if you use this device with your HDTV, but if it’s set up to your computer, you might as well switch over to the computer interface and use that for MP3/JPG playback.

The only thing that’s missing from this device is DVR functionality. It would be great to be able to record a couple hours worth of TV shows and fast forward through the commercials.

The remote control isn’t perfect either. Sometimes it was difficult for the device to pick up my remote control commands. You just have to be very specific about where you are pointing the remote control. Also the button’s image icons are a little confusing to understand.

External ATSC/QAM TVBox HDMI Edition remote

I’m pretty shocked at how many problems this little turner solves. I do recommend it if you’re looking for a versatile way to watch local digital TV stations on your HDTV or computer monitor. It’s not 100% perfect, but it’s close enough to get the job done.

Author: DaveWeLike

I'm the editor of StuffWeLike.com.

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